Job Roles
By Katie Barber
Producers A producer is responsible for: – Purchase and develop projects
– Set a budget and secure the funds for the project – Hire and manage key team members – Producers oversee the project to make sure it stay within budget – Oversee post-production – Market the project A producer is someone who brings the project to completion and is mostly the person that holds the rights to the original property.
Producers A co-producer works with another producer on a project. They may not have a direct in producing but will in funding the project by their equipment and services. A famous producer is Judd Apatow who has produced films such as Superbad, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Anchorman and Freaks and Geeks. In 2012, Apatow received the Hollywood Comedy Award at the 16th annual Hollywood Film Awards presented by the Hollywood Film Festival.
Executive Producer An executive producer is different to a producer as they usually are a financier of the project instead of producing the project. The executive producer generally contributes to the film's budget and their involvement depends on the project. Some secure funds and others only get involved in the filmmaking process. There are no specific education requirements for an executive producer. A famous executive producer is Joss Whedon who is the co-founder of Bellwether Pictures and is well known as the creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Agents There are different types of agents in the film industry. For actors, the type of agent you need is called a talent agent. Agents that represent directors learn the type of genre and tone that their existing directors are capable of directing and will usually seek out those projects that suit those needs.
Writers Writers are responsible for researching, developing and delivering the screenplay. To be successful writer, you'll need: – literary skills – imagination – a clear, entertaining style – the ability to work to tight deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail – excellent research skills, both literary and business-related – time management skills
– marketing skills and an understanding of new media as a tool for self-promotion – the ability to understand and accept criticism
Writers A famous writer is Stephen King whose books have been adapted such IT and The Shining. Although being a writer is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances: – communication and media studies – creative writing – English and literature studies
– journalism – performing arts
Script Editor Script editors provide critical overview of the screenwriting process. They need to communicate between the producer and/or the development executive and the screenwriter. This is so they can help screenwriters identify problems. Script editors are sometimes full-time employees of a production company. David Whitaker was an English writer and his known for his work as Doctor Who’s first story editor.
Directors Film directors have control over the creative side of film production. A director is the most vital team member as they are responsible for the making of the production and targeting it towards the audience. There are no specific qualifications, entry examinations or professional memberships required to become a film director. A typical filming day is between 10-12 hours. A famous director is Steven Spielberg who directed the first ever block-buster, Jaws in 1975.
Directors As a film director, you'll need to: – read scripts
– work with writers and provide feedback on the further development of scripts – select actors - sometimes working with casting directors and producers during this selection process – monitor rehearsals – direct actors during the filming – select locations for filming – agree the budget and schedule of the film with the producer – be responsible for staying on budget and schedule – supervise all creative aspects of the production
– work with the editor to present the final version of the film – select music for the final film and/or work with a composer to decide on the musical score
Commissioning Editors A commissioning editor is responsible for multiple things including – writing reports – supervising the work of editorial staff – attending book fairs, negotiating agreements/contracts with literacy agents/authors – undertaking market research or investigating market trends – liaison with authors, literacy agents, marketing and production staff including designers and printers – reading, evaluating and commissioning titles – planning, organising and monitoring the progress of projects
Commissioning Editors The skills required to be commissioning editor can include: – Verbal and written communication skills – Administrative skills – Capable of meeting deadlines – IT skills – Able to work well under pressure
– Adaptable – Enthusiasm
Some editors have a degree in English although any degree is acceptable for entry into the profession. Catherine Catton is a commissioning editor for BBC One.
Graphic Design Responsibilities as a graphic designer include: – meeting clients or account managers to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job – estimating the time required to complete a job and providing quotes for clients – developing design briefs that suit the client's purpose – thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts and developing interactive design – using innovation to redefine a design brief within time and cost constraints – presenting finalized ideas and concepts to clients or account managers
Graphic Design – working with a range of media, including computer-aided design (CAD), and keeping up to date with emerging technologies – proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work – demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches and working on layouts ready for print – commissioning illustrators and photographers
– working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists.
Graphic Design To increase your chances of becoming a graphic designer the following subjects should increase the chances: – 3D design – communication design – film/television – fine art
– graphic design – illustration
– photography – visual art.
Animator Computer animation uses software known as CGI (computer-generated imagery). Responsibilities include: –
liaising with clients and developing animation from their concepts
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creating storyboards that depict the script and narrative
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drawing in 2D to create sketches, artwork or illustrations
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designing models, backgrounds, sets, characters, objects and the animation environment
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using a range of materials, including modelling clay, plaster, oil paints, watercolours and acrylics
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developing the timing and pace of the movements of a character or object during the sequence of images and ensuring they follow the soundtrack and audio requirements
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building up accurate, detailed frame-by-frame visuals
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recording dialogue and working with editors to composite the various layers of animation (backgrounds, special effects, characters and graphics) in order to produce the finished piece
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working to production deadlines and meeting clients' commercial requirements
Animator An animator should have the skills: – artistic talent and technical skills – a good eye for detail – communication and storytelling skills – ability to work with others and to take direction – networking skills and commitment to projects through previous work experience – an engagement with the industry from submitting work to festivals and competitions
– the flexibility to switch between several projects at once. Walt Disney is a famous animators who has produced many films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Lighting technician, broadcasting/film/video As a lighting technician, you'll typically need to:
– set up lighting equipment – assemble all the lighting and filter equipment needed – ensure all lighting equipment is in working order and carry out tests – load automated colour change systems – check the focusing of lighting at rehearsals – operate and maintain equipment during the shoot – change lighting between shots, as necessary
– programme and operate lighting consoles – liaise with and work under the direction of the gaffer (who oversees electricals) and best boy (who assists the gaffer) throughout the project.
Lighting technician, broadcasting/film/video In more senior roles, you'll also need to: – visit and assess locations for technical purposes – attend production meetings to establish lighting requirements – liaise with the director of photography and other staff to interpret their creative vision into the lighting design – liaise with other departments, such as sound and camera, as well as with the floor manager and producer – manage the lighting budget and advise on the purchase/hire of suitable equipment – decide on the lighting crew numbers and equipment needed and then employ the crew and hire the equipment – conduct risk assessments and oversee health and safety in relation to lighting
Lighting technician, broadcasting/film/video There are specialist degree and foundation degree courses that may be particularly useful, including: – lighting design – lighting technology
– sound, light and live event technology – theatre arts (lighting and sound operation)